India marks its Republic Day on the 26th
of January every year. A celebration of the people of the nation, it is a mark of
their dedication towards their country.
Like every year, the 70th Republic Day celebrations
in 2019 recognized the bravery of people and their commitment and commendable
efforts towards the nation and protecting their fellow people.
In 2019, a total of 146 police personnel
were honoured for their bravery. A total of about 855 police and paramilitary
personnel were awarded police medals the day before, ahead of the Republic Day.
President’s Police Medals for
significant service were also awarded to 74 personnel while 632 personnel
received the Police Medal for their exemplary service towards the nation.
Instituted by the Government of India post-independence,
the first three gallantry awards given on the 26th of January, 1950
were: Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra and Vir Chakra. They had, however, been
deemed effective from the 15th of August, 1947.
After
that, on the 4th January 1952, the Government of India instituted three new
gallantry awards, which were again deemed effective from the 15th August 1947.
They are:
1.
Ashoka Chakra Class-I,
2.
Ashoka Chakra Class-II, and
3.
Ashoka Chakra Class-III
These awards were later renamed as the Ashoka
Chakra, the Kirti Chakra, and the Shaurya Chakra in January, 1967.
The order of the value of these awards is as
follows:
Military Awards-
1.
Param
Vir Chakra
2.
Maha
Vir Chakra
3.
Vir
Chakra
Peacetime Awards-
1.
Ashoka
Chakra
2.
Kirti
Chakra
3.
Shaurya
Chakra
The Param Vir Chakra succeeds the Ashoka
Chakra over the Mahavir Chakra, the Kirti Chakra, the Vir Chakra, and the
Shaurya Chakra respectively.
It is important to know that the Param Vir
Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, and Vir chakra are awarded only during the time of
war.
These awards are given for
the bravery shown in the face of the enemy. Civilians or military personnel may
receive this award, and they can also be awarded posthumously to any family
members.
The Ashoka Chakra Awards are open to ordinary
civilians. The recommendations in respect of civilians are received from the
Union Ministry of Home Affairs, State Governments, Union Territory Administrations
and etc. These awards are biannual and are given on the occasion of Republic
Day and Independence Day.
Let us talk about the most common awards
received:
1. PARAM VIR CHAKRA
This medal is circular,
around one and three eighth inches in diameter, with rims on both sides. On the
back of the medal, there is embossed a design replica of the Ashoka Chakra in
the centre, surrounded by a lotus wreath. Along the rim, on the inner side of
the medal, there is a pattern of lotus leaves, flowers and buds. On the reverse
are the words “Ashok Chakra” written both in Hindi and English, the two
versions being separated by two lotus flowers.
If any recipient of the prestigious Param Vir
Chakra again displays an act of gallantry that enables him or her to still be
eligible to receive the Chakra, such further action of bravery would be
recognised by a Bar being attached to the riband by which the Chakra is
suspended, and for every subsequent act of gallantry, an additional Bar would
be added. Any such Bar or Bars can also be awarded posthumously. For every Bar
awarded, a replica of the Chakra in miniature form would be attached to the
riband when worn alone.
2. SHAURYA
CHAKRA
This
medal is also circular and made of pure bronze, one and three-eighth inches in
diameter, with rims on both sides. On the obverse of the medal, there is the
same embossed replica of the Ashoka Chakra in the centre, surrounded by a lotus
wreath. Along the rim, on the inner side, is a pattern of lotus leaves,
flowers, and buds. On its reverse are the words “SHAURYA CHAKRA” written both
in Hindi and English, the two versions being separated by two lotus flowers.
3. KIRTI
CHAKRA
The Kirti Chakra is another
prestigious military decoration awarded for showing bravery or self-sacrifice
away from the field of battle. It may be granted to general civilians but is
mainly given to Indian military personnel, including any of the posthumous
awards. This award is the peacetime equivalent of the Maha Vir Chakra.
The following categories of personnel are the
only ones eligible for the honourable Ashoka Chakra, the Kirti Chakra, and the
Shaurya Chakra:
·
Officers
and Staff of all ranks of the Indian Army, the Navy, and the Air Force, of any
of the Reserved Forces, of the Territorial Army, Militia and any other lawfully
constituted forces.
·
Members
of the Nursing Services of the Indian Armed Forces.
·
Civilian
citizens of all walks of life and members of the Police Forces including the Central
Para-Military Forces and the Railway Protection Force.
The
Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra are awarded for showing
conspicuous bravery or pre-eminent act of courage or self-sacrifice other than
in the face of the enemy.
All the gallantry awards mentioned can also be
awarded posthumously.
People recommended for the award shall not be
involved in any adverse report or should not have been conveyed any displeasure
or censure or given any punishment in court-martial proceedings or through
administrative action, else the award can be revoked.
As we celebrate the establishment of our Republic on the 26th of January every year, it is only fitting that we reward those who have fought hard to keep national security and sovereignty intact.
Their sacrifice is great and cannot be repaid with any award, yet it is a nation's gesture of letting those who protect it know that they mean a lot to it.
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